Insider urges Knicks to make Ben Simmons decision for one reason, despite flaws

Jon Conahan

Insider urges Knicks to make Ben Simmons decision for one reason, despite flaws image

There have been rumors suggesting that the New York Knicks are interested in acquiring Ben Simmons, a former star whose career hasn't gone as planned. It's unfortunate that things have unfolded the way they have for Simmons, but it's possible that he could figure things out with a new team. 

He last appeared in games for the Los Angeles Clippers, but showed many of the same deficiencies in Los Angeles. Simmons has no offensive game outside of being a good passer and decent around the rim, but he's often afraid to shoot, and his free-throw shooting continues to be an issue. 

Despite that, the New York Daily News believes there's a reason to consider landing him. They noted that he wouldn't have to be one of the top-scoring options and could come off the bench to run the second unit. 

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“Simmons wouldn’t be the second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth or seventh scoring option on a Knicks team now stacked with talent in its starting five and off the bench. The Knicks would merely need him to defend at a high level, crash the glass, push the pace and make plays for the teammates who have their eyes on the bottom of the net — and bonus points if he doesn’t go viral for fashion every other day, because going viral for being in street clothes would mean another unhealthy season from a player of Simmons’ caliber,” they wrote.

While that's all fair and well, it's also important to note that Simmons would have to be used in some scenarios in the playoffs. 

The Knicks signing a player just to assume they won't play in the playoffs would be a disaster. His defense would be wanted in the postseason, but his offense is so flawed that New York would be in a strange position on that side of the basketball when it matters most.

Jon Conahan

Jon Conahan is a freelance writer with The Sporting News. A 2022 Penn State University graduate who majored in journalism, he was also a member of the school's D1 baseball team. His work has been featured on Sports Illustrated, Heavy and other outlets. Jon makes home in North Jersey, but also resides in Cape Coral, Florida, for parts of the year. He’s an avid fan of the New York Yankees, Miami Dolphins and Milwaukee Bucks.